The church, built in stages between 1864 and 1870, was architect Addison Hutton’s first major commission and the second Gothic-style Methodist church in the country. Throughout history, congregants have been committed to the greater social good. During the Civil War, women from Arch Street UMC volunteered at hospitals to treat soldiers wounded at the front. In the 1920s, Arch Street was one of the first churches to broadcast services over the radio, increasing its reach to a broader range of people. As a result of prioritizing outreach to African American and international communities in the 1960s, Arch Street continues to maintain a diverse and welcoming congregation.

Arch Street proudly adheres to the Methodist church’s motto of “Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors.” The church offers life-giving services to unsheltered community members as a drop-in center, and the congregation advocates for greater access to safe and affordable housing. These services, including providing access to showers, laundry, computers, food, and case management, have continued throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Arch Street also provided sanctuary for Javier Garcia Flores, an undocumented immigrant, for 11 months until he was able to obtain a stay of deportation and the right to pursue a U-Visa application.

In 2020, the City of Philadelphia required Arch Street to provide containment netting for its spire after an inspection identified life-safety hazards to pedestrians at street level. The 215-foot tall spire had cracked mortar joints and loose marble that could become dislodged and fall onto the sidewalk.

An Intervention Fund grant of $25,000 awarded in 2021 allowed Arch Street to both ensure safety and prevent the loss of regular programming while the congregation raised the significant funds required to restore the spire. The visibility of the netting also drew public attention to the overall restoration project, prompting donations from neighboring organizations.

Arch Street United Methodist Church also received a National Fund for Sacred Places grant in 2021.

Photo by Robin Hynicka